Fluid delivery assemblies for withdrawing biomaterial fluid from a vial and for dispensing the biomaterial fluid, fluid control devices therefor, and related methods

ABSTRACT

A fluid delivery assembly is provided for withdrawing biomaterial fluid from a vial and for dispensing the biomaterial fluid. The fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid transfer device configured for receiving the biomaterial fluid from the vial and for subsequently dispensing the biomaterial fluid, and a fluid control device coupled with the fluid transfer device. The fluid control device includes a body adapted to be coupled for fluid communication with the vial, and having a first port coupled with the fluid transfer device, and a second port for dispensing the biomaterial fluid. The fluid control device further includes a valve member carried by the body, the valve member being moveable between a first position in which the biomaterial fluid may be received from the vial into the first port and the fluid transfer device and a second position in which the biomaterial fluid received in the fluid transfer device may be dispensed through the first and second ports.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the priority of Application Ser. No. 61/723,970 filed Nov. 8, 2012 (pending), the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to fluid delivery devices. More particularly, the invention relates to fluid delivery devices that receive fluid from a pre-filled vial of fluid.

BACKGROUND

In the dispensing arts, fluid delivery assemblies are used for moving and for dispensing fluids. For example, a source of fluid is supplied to a fluid delivery assembly, and the fluid delivery assembly can be used to move or dispense the fluid in a desired manner. Fluid delivery assemblies are sometimes also referred to generally as applicators, especially when the fluid delivery assembly is used to apply the fluid to an object.

In some circumstances, the fluid to be moved or dispensed by a fluid delivery assembly is contained in a vial. The fluid must be removed from the vial before it can be moved or dispensed by the fluid delivery assembly. Removing fluid from a vial can require a fluid delivery assembly to be partially disassembled or its components disconnected. For example, in a fluid delivery assembly that includes a syringe coupled with fluid delivery components, the syringe is disconnected from the fluid delivery components in order to couple the syringe with the vial of fluid. The fluid is then withdrawn from the vial and directed into the syringe. The syringe is then uncoupled from the vial and recoupled with the fluid delivery components. Finally, the fluid is forced from the syringe into the fluid delivery components. Disconnecting and reconnecting a syringe increases the number of steps that must be performed as part of a fluid delivery operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to fluid delivery assemblies for withdrawing biomaterial fluid from a vial and for dispensing the biomaterial fluid, fluid control devices for use in fluid delivery assemblies, and related methods.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a fluid delivery assembly is provided for withdrawing biomaterial fluid from a vial and for dispensing the biomaterial fluid. The fluid delivery assembly includes a fluid transfer device configured for receiving the biomaterial fluid from the vial and for subsequently dispensing the biomaterial fluid, and a fluid control device coupled with the fluid transfer device. The fluid control device includes a body adapted to be coupled for fluid communication with the vial, and having a first port coupled with the fluid transfer device, and a second port for dispensing the biomaterial fluid. The fluid control device further includes a valve member carried by the body, the valve member being moveable between a first position in which the biomaterial fluid may be received from the vial into the first port and the fluid transfer device and a second position in which the biomaterial fluid received in the fluid transfer device may be dispensed through the first and second ports.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a fluid control device is provided for use in a fluid delivery assembly configured for withdrawing biomaterial fluid from a vial and for dispensing the biomaterial fluid. The fluid delivery assembly further includes a fluid transfer device. The fluid control device includes a body adapted to be coupled for fluid communication with the vial, and having a first port configured for coupling with the fluid transfer device, and a second port for dispensing the biomaterial fluid. The fluid control device further includes a valve member carried by the body, the valve member being moveable between a first position in which the biomaterial fluid may be received from the vial into the first port and the fluid transfer device and a second position in which the biomaterial fluid received in the fluid transfer device may be dispensed through the first and second ports.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for dispensing biomaterial fluid from a fluid delivery assembly comprising a fluid transfer device, a fluid control device coupled with the fluid transfer device and having a valve member and an outlet port. The method includes coupling a vial of biomaterial fluid to the fluid control device, moving the valve from a first position to a second position, and transferring the biomaterial fluid from the vial into the fluid transfer device. The method further includes moving the valve from the second position to the first position, and dispensing the biomaterial fluid from the fluid transfer device through the outlet port of the fluid control device.

Various additional features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with a general description of the invention given above, and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view depicting a fluid delivery assembly according to the concepts of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view depicting the fluid delivery assembly of FIG. 1, with a vial of fluid partially inserted into a vial receptacle, and a valve member of a fluid control device in a first position

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view like FIG. 2A, with the vial completely inserted into a vial receptacle, and the valve member moved to a second position.

FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view like FIG. 2B, with the fluid of the vial having been transferred into a cavity of a syringe of the fluid delivery assembly.

FIG. 2D is a cross-sectional view like FIG. 2A, with the valve member returned to the first position and the fluid being dispensed from an outlet port of the fluid control device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the figures and beginning with FIG. 1, a fluid delivery assembly 10 includes twin fluid transfer assemblies 12, each coupled with a fluid control device 14. The fluid control devices 14 are configured both to allow fluid to be transferred from a vial (not shown in FIG. 1) into the fluid transfer assemblies 12, and to allow the fluid transfer assemblies 12 to dispense the fluid through the fluid control devices 14, as will be explained. Because the two fluid transfer assemblies 12 are the same, and because the two fluid control devices 14 are also the same, description will be provided for one of each, it being understood that the description covers the other. In addition, while the fluid delivery assembly 10 depicted includes two fluid transfer assemblies 12 and two fluid control devices 14, it will be appreciated that the invention is also applicable to a fluid delivery assembly having any number of fluid transfer assemblies 12 and fluid control devices 14.

With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2A-2D, each fluid transfer device 12 generally includes a syringe 16. The syringe 16 includes a body 18 having an inlet/outlet port 20, which in the embodiment shown is formed in a tip 22. The body 18 also defines an interior cavity 24. The syringe 16 includes a plunger assembly 26 comprising a plunger 28 and a stem 30. The plunger 28 is positioned in, and is in contacting relationship with, the body 18. The plunger assembly 26 is moveable in the body 18, and the syringe 16 is configured to draw fluid into, and transfer fluid from, the interior cavity 24 through the inlet/outlet port 20.

In the embodiment shown, the plunger stems 30 of the two syringes 16 are connected to a plunger plate 32, which provides a structure for simultaneously moving the two plunger assemblies 26. Also, in the embodiment shown, the two syringes 16 of the fluid transfer device 12 are supported by a support member 40. The support member 40 includes a base section 42 and cradle sections 44 extending therefrom and shaped to support the body 18 of the syringes 16.

Each fluid control device 14 includes a body 50 that carries a valve member 52 configured to selectively allow fluid to be transferred into the associated syringe 16 of the fluid transfer device 12 and to be transferred out from the syringe 16 and dispensed through an outlet port 54 of the body 50.

The body 50 generally defines an interior cavity 56 and includes a syringe port 58 having a syringe port passageway 60. The syringe port 58 is configured to be coupled with the tip 22 of the syringe 16 so as to fluidically couple the inlet/outlet port 20 of the syringe 16 with the syringe port passageway 60 of the fluid control device 14. In the embodiment shown, the syringe port 58 is configured as a collared extension that is received by the tip 22 of the syringe 16.

The body 50 also includes the outlet port 54, which has an outlet port passageway 62. In the embodiment shown, the outlet port 54 is configured as a tapered extension tip, such as can be coupled with a fluid conduit 64 (as shown in FIGS. 2A-2D) so as to fluidically couple the outlet port 54 with fluid conduit 64. The fluid conduit 64 can be used to deliver fluid carried therein to a point of application, to a mixing device, or to any suitable location or device.

The fluid control device 14 also includes a vial receptacle 70. The body 50 is connected with the vial receptacle 70 through a vial connection member 72. The vial receptacle 70 includes a body 74 defining a socket 76 configured to receive, or be coupled with, a vial 78. The vial receptacle body 74 includes an internal wall 80 and a base wall 82. The vial 78 includes an enclosure 84 that is configured to be received in, or be coupled with, the socket 76, and contains a biomaterial fluid 86. The biomaterial fluid 86 may be a biomaterial fluid, a sterile fluid, or any other type of fluid (referred to generally herein as biomaterial fluid 86). The vial 78 may come pre-filled with the biomaterial fluid 86. On a base end 88 thereof, the enclosure 84 includes a pierceable seal member 90. When the vial 78 is completely received in the socket 76, the base end 88 of the enclosure 84 rests against the base wall 82 of the vial receptacle body 74 (as shown in FIG. 2B). In addition, the interior wall 80 of the vial receptacle body 74 and the vial enclosure 84 can optionally include attachment structure, such as cooperating locating ribs 91 and locating recesses 92, for positively seating the vial 78 with respect to the vial receptacle 70 so as to physically couple the vial 78 with the vial receptacle 70.

As best shown in FIGS. 2A through 2D, the fluid contents 86 of the vial 78 are directed through the valve member 52 by use of the syringe 16. In particular, the valve member 52 includes a body 100 generally having three regions: an upper region 102, an intermediate region 104, and a lower region 106. In the embodiment shown, the regions 102, 104, 106 are cylinder shaped and have different sizes. Particularly, the upper region 102 has the smallest diameter, the lower region 106 has the largest diameter, and the intermediate region 104 has a diameter greater than the upper region 102 and less than the lower region 106. A first shoulder 108 is formed at the junction of the upper and intermediate regions 102, 104, and a second shoulder 110 is formed at the junction of the intermediate and lower regions 104, 106. The shoulders 108, 110 cooperate with ledges 112, 114 formed in the body 50 of the fluid control device 14 to limit the movement of the valve member 52 in the interior cavity 56.

The valve member 52 includes a first passageway 120 that is configured for communication with the syringe port passageway 60 of the fluid control device 14. The first passageway 120 is also configured for communication with the vial 78 so as to communicate the biomaterial fluid 86 in the vial 78 with the syringe 16. In particular, a needle 122 having a needle passageway 124 is coupled with the valve member 52 and is partially received in the first passageway 120 so that the needle passageway 124 communicates with the first passageway 120. The needle 122 extends beyond the upper region 102 of the valve member 52. In addition, the needle 122 is configured to pierce the seal member 90 of the vial 78 and the needle passageway 124 is configured to communicate with the biomaterial fluid 86 contained therein (as shown in FIG. 2B).

The valve member 52 also includes a second passageway 130 that is configured for communication with the syringe port passageway 60 and the outlet passageway 62 of the fluid control device.

The valve member 52 is moveable between at least two positions. In a first position, which is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2D, the valve member 52 is positioned so that the second passageway 130 is aligned and communicates with the syringe port passageway 60 and the outlet passageway 62. In the embodiment shown, in this first position, the first shoulder 108 between the upper and intermediate regions 102, 104 of the valve member 52 engages with the ledge 112. Also, the second shoulder 110 between the intermediate and lower regions 104, 106 of the valve member 52 engages with the ledge 114. In this first position, a portion of the upper region 102 of the valve member 52 protrudes from beyond the body 50 of the fluid control device 14 and into the socket 76 of the vial receptacle 70 (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2D).

In a second position, which is shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the valve member 52 is positioned so that the first passageway 120 is aligned and communicates with the syringe port passageway 60. Also in this second position, the upper region 102 of the valve member 52 is generally contained within the body 50 of the fluid control device 14 and does not protrude into the socket 76 of the vial receptacle 70 (as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C).

The fluid control device 14 further includes a biasing member 140 configured for acting on the valve member 52 and for urging the valve member 52 toward its first position. In particular, the biasing member 140 is in the form of a spring that extends between a base surface 142 formed in the body 50 of the fluid control device 14 and the valve member 52. In the embodiment shown, the biasing member 140 extends from the base surface 142 and is received in a seat 144 formed in the lower and intermediate regions 106, 104 of the valve member 52. The biasing member 140 biases the valve member 52 away from the base surface 142 and toward the first position (as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2D). The biasing member 140 can be overcome, however, to move the valve member 52 into its second position.

For example, as the vial 78 is installed into, or coupled with, the vial receptacle 70 (as shown in the progression from FIG. 2A to FIG. 2B), the needle 122 piercingly engages the seal member 90 of the vial 78. As the vial 78 is further installed, the base end 88 of the vial 78 engages the upper region 102 of the valve member 52, and pushes the valve member 52 downwardly and against the biasing force of the biasing member 140. The valve member 52 is pushed downwardly until the base end 88 of the vial 78 contacts the base wall 82 of the vial receptacle 70 (as shown in FIG. 2B). At this point, the valve member 52 is put into its second position (also shown in FIG. 2B). Thus, the valve member 52 is moved from its first position to its second position substantially concurrently with the vial 78 being installed into the vial receptacle 70.

The biasing member 140 urges the valve member 52 to return to its first position. For example, as the vial 78 is removed, or uncoupled, from the vial receptacle 70 (as shown in the progression from FIG. 2C to FIG. 2D), the biasing member 140 urges the valve member 52 away from the base surface 142. When the base end 88 of the vial 78 no longer engages the upper region 102 of the valve member, the biasing member 140 urges the valve member upwardly until the valve member 52 is put into its first position (as shown in FIG. 2D). Thus, the valve member 52 is moved from its second position to its first position substantially concurrently with the vial 78 being removed from the vial receptacle 70.

Fluid can be transferred from the vial 78 into the syringe 16, and transferred from the syringe 16 and dispensed out of the outlet port 54 as follows. Beginning with the configuration shown in FIG. 2A, the vial 78 is placed into the vial receptacle 70. This moves the valve member 52 to its second position (as shown in FIG. 2B) so that the first passageway 120 in the valve member 52 aligns and communicates with the syringe port passageway 60 of the syringe port 58. The plunger assembly 26 is then operated to move the plunger 28 away from the inlet/outlet port 20 of the syringe body 18. As this happens, the biomaterial fluid 86 in the vial 78 is drawn through the needle passageway 124, the first passageway 120, the syringe port passageway 60, and the inlet/outlet port 20 and into the cavity 24 of the syringe 16 (as shown in FIG. 2C). The plunger assembly 26 can be selectively adjusted to transfer as much biomaterial fluid 86 from the vial 78 and into the cavity 24 as is desired, or as the plunger assembly 26 is capable of moving.

Next, and beginning with the configuration shown in FIG. 2C, the vial 78 is removed from the vial receptacle 70. This moves the valve member 52 to its first position (as shown in FIG. 2D) so that the second passageway 130 in the valve member 52 aligns and communicates with the syringe port passageway 60 of the syringe port 58 and the outlet port passageway 62 of the outlet port 54. The plunger assembly 26 is then operated to move the plunger 28 toward the inlet/outlet port 20 of the syringe body. As this happens, the biomaterial fluid 86 in the cavity 24 of the syringe 16 is transferred through the inlet/outlet port 20, the syringe port passageway 60, the second passageway 130, the outlet port passageway 62 and into the conduit 64 (as shown in FIG. 2D). The plunger assembly 26 can be selectively adjusted to dispense as much biomaterial fluid 86 out of the cavity 24 and through the outlet port 54 as is desired, or as the plunger assembly 26 is capable of moving.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of specific embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not intended to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. The various features discussed herein may be used alone or in any combination. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is therefore not limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methods and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the scope or spirit of the general inventive concept. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid delivery assembly for withdrawing biomaterial fluid from a vial and for dispensing the biomaterial fluid, comprising: a fluid transfer device configured for receiving the biomaterial fluid from the vial and for subsequently dispensing the biomaterial fluid, and a fluid control device coupled with the fluid transfer device and comprising: a body adapted to be coupled for fluid communication with the vial, and having a first port coupled with the fluid transfer device, and a second port for dispensing the biomaterial fluid, and a valve member carried by the body, the valve member being moveable between a first position in which the biomaterial fluid may be received from the vial into the first port and the fluid transfer device and a second position in which the biomaterial fluid received in the fluid transfer device may be dispensed through the first and second ports.
 2. The fluid delivery assembly of claim 1, the valve member having a first passageway configured for communication with the vial and the first port when the valve member is in the first position, and a second passageway configured for communication with the first and second ports when the valve member is in the second position.
 3. The fluid delivery assembly of claim 1, the fluid transfer device including a syringe.
 4. The fluid delivery assembly of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of the fluid transfer devices and a corresponding plurality of the fluid control devices.
 5. The fluid delivery assembly of claim 1, the fluid control device further comprising: a biasing member for urging the valve member toward the first position.
 6. The fluid delivery assembly of claim 5, the fluid control device further comprising: a seat formed in the valve member, the biasing member being a spring received in the seat.
 7. The fluid delivery assembly of claim 2, further comprising: a needle configured for piercing a seal member of the vial, the needle being coupled with the valve member and having a needle passageway, the needle passageway communicating with the first passageway.
 8. The fluid delivery assembly of claim 7, the valve member of the fluid control device having an upper region and the needle extending beyond the upper region.
 9. The fluid delivery assembly of claim 1, the fluid control device further comprising a vial receptacle configured to receive the vial of biomaterial fluid.
 10. The fluid delivery assembly of claim 9, the vial receptacle including a body having an internal wall including attachment structure for physically coupling the vial with the vial receptacle.
 11. The fluid delivery assembly of claim 10, the attachment structure including a detent.
 12. A fluid control device for use in a fluid delivery assembly configured for withdrawing biomaterial fluid from a vial and for dispensing the biomaterial fluid, and further including a fluid transfer device, the fluid control device comprising: a body adapted to be coupled for fluid communication with the vial, and having a first port configured for coupling with the fluid transfer device, and a second port for dispensing the biomaterial fluid, and a valve member carried by the body, the valve member being moveable between a first position in which the biomaterial fluid may be received from the vial into the first port and the fluid transfer device and a second position in which the biomaterial fluid received in the fluid transfer device may be dispensed through the first and second ports.
 13. The fluid control device of claim 12, the fluid control device further comprising: a biasing member for urging the valve member toward the first position.
 14. The fluid control device of claim 13, further comprising: a seat formed in the valve member, the biasing member being a spring received in the seat.
 15. The fluid control device of claim 13, the valve member having a first passageway configured for communication with the vial and the first port when the valve member is in the first position, and a second passageway configured for communication with the first and second ports when the valve member is in the second position.
 16. The fluid control device of claim 15, further comprising: a needle configured for piercing a seal member of the vial, the needle being coupled with the valve member and having a needle passageway, the needle passageway communicating with the first passageway.
 17. The fluid control device of claim 16, the valve member having an upper region and the needle extending beyond the upper region.
 18. The fluid control device of claim 12, further comprising: a vial receptacle configured to receive the vial of biomaterial fluid.
 19. The fluid control device of claim 18, the vial receptacle including a body having an internal wall including attachment structure for physically coupling the vial with the vial receptacle.
 20. The fluid control device of claim 19, the attachment structure including a detent.
 21. A method of dispensing biomaterial fluid from a fluid delivery assembly comprising a fluid transfer device, a fluid control device coupled with the fluid transfer device and having a valve member and an outlet port, the method comprising: coupling a vial of biomaterial fluid to the fluid control device, moving the valve from a first position to a second position, transferring the biomaterial fluid from the vial into the fluid transfer device, moving the valve from the second position to the first position, and dispensing the biomaterial fluid from the fluid transfer device through the outlet port of the fluid control device.
 22. The method of claim 21, the fluid delivery assembly further comprising a vial receptacle configured to receive the vial of the biomaterial fluid, wherein: coupling the vial includes coupling the vial with the vial receptacle.
 23. The method of claim 21, wherein coupling the vial and moving the valve from a first position are performed substantially concurrently with each other.
 24. The method of claim 21, further comprising: uncoupling the vial from the vial receptacle before dispensing the biomaterial fluid.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein uncoupling the vial and moving the valve from the second position are performed substantially concurrently with each other.
 26. The method of claim 21, wherein the fluid transfer device includes a syringe having an internal cavity, and wherein: transferring the biomaterial fluid from the vial includes transferring the biomaterial fluid from the vial into the internal cavity of the syringe.
 27. The method of claim 21, wherein the valve member includes a first passageway and a second passageway, and wherein: transferring the biomaterial fluid from the vial includes transferring the biomaterial fluid through the second passageway, and dispensing the biomaterial fluid includes transferring the biomaterial fluid through the first passageway. 